Renovating might look as simple as picking new tiles and paint colours. But the reality is often far more complex – sometimes involving building regulations, unexpected repairs and the odd blow to your budget.
Luckily, there’s help. Arthur Shisman from House Sanctuary Builders has expert tips to help you nail your first renovation from the start.
1. Think twice before you DIY
There's definitely a place for DIY, but make sure you think it through.
What’s the effort versus reward? Can a professional do this in half the time? Is this something I’ll look at or use every day.
But Arthur advises against DIY for anything you’re not 100% confident in.
“Unless it’s something you’ve had a lot of experience with, I wouldn’t do DIY,” he says.
Renovating looks simple, but hidden repairs, rules and costs often come with it. Picture: Getty
Jobs such as plumbing, electrical, structural and waterproofing should always be handled by an expert, and it may even be a legal requirement that licensed trades carry out the work.
2. Always choose a registered builder
If you decide to bring in a professional builder, pick a registered one. A registered builder has been vetted and licensed by the relevant state building authority and holds the right qualifications and experience.
They’re also covered by insurance and can be held accountable if anything goes wrong.
In some states and territories, you may legally need to use a registered builder for certain types of renovation work, particularly larger or structural projects.
In Arthur’s experience, this is a major area where many first-timers trip up, and it can have serious consequences.
“The biggest mistake is going with people that are not registered builders,” he says.
“If there are mistakes or defects, a lot of these guys will disappear.”
Luckily, hipages makes it easy to find registered builders near you. Home to a huge variety of local renovation specialists – including builders, electricians, plumbers and even architects and interior designers – you can access all the expertise your renovation requires in a few clicks.
Just post your job on hipages, follow the simple prompts and you'll be connected with up to three local tradies ready to help.
You can find registered builders and renovation experts near you with hipages. Picture: Unsplash
The best part? hipages handles a lot of the legwork with a thorough screening process when tradies join the platform.
Plus you can check their licences and recommendations from homeowners, they have worked with before. This means far less time spent researching when you’ve already got plenty to think about.
3. Do your research
Beyond ensuring a builder is registered, you need to know they’re up to the task and that their standard of work meets your needs.
Start by being clear about what your renovation involves, then compare that with your builder’s previous projects to see if they’re the right fit.
“Have a look at their website, look at their projects and make sure they’re genuinely their projects – getting someone to just show you photos on their phone isn’t good enough,” Arthur says.
“A good builder will talk about their work because they’re proud of it.”
Other important checks include getting a detailed written quote, reading online reviews and gathering testimonials from past clients.
At hipages makes it easy to find a professional you can trust. Their thorough onboarding process includes mandatory license (where required) and ABN checks, this ensures you can choose with confidence.
Read real recommendations from past customers, check out a tradie’s star rating and click through to their hipages profile to get a well-rounded picture of their work.
4. Plan everything so you have a clear vision for best results
The planning stage is essential because it creates a roadmap for your renovation, and a vision for the final results: How will each space be used? What bathroom layout will you choose? What will your storage look like? And will you go for a chrome or matte black kitchen tap?
Planning your renovation sets the roadmap, from layouts to the finishing touches. Picture: Getty
It might seem overwhelming to make every decision up front, but Arthur says careful planning helps keep the project on track and prevents your builder from hitting constant hold-ups. When a vision isn’t clear, work often has to stop while decisions are finalised.
“Before you start, you need to select the tiles, cabinetry, materials and colours,” Arthur says.
“Once everything is selected and confirmed, the renovation can run from start to finish without stopping.”
5. Always allow a contingency in your budget
Even the best planners come up against unexpected hitches during their renovation. It might be hidden termite damage, unexpected asbestos, rising damp or a previously unseen structural problem that requires repairs.
Not only are these issues a real headache to deal with, but they can also be costly – sometimes blowing the budget by thousands of dollars.
Arthur suggests adding a buffer to your budget to account for unforeseen problems: “I would say allow at least 10%,” he says.
6. Spend where it matters most
If you’re working to a tight budget, Arthur recommends allocating more funds to the spaces and materials that matter and get used most.
This might be the kitchen, main bathroom, ensuite or living areas, or it could even be the flooring throughout the home.
Investing in quality products and materials can ensure the finished space lasts longer and delivers better value in the long run.
“If you’re doing two bathrooms, spend more on the one you’ll actually use,” he says.
“For example, buy good-quality porcelain tiles because they’re non-porous and the bathroom will last longer.”
With a bit of preparation and these expert tips up your sleeve, your first renovation is bound to be far smoother than you might expect – and far more enjoyable, too.
English (US) · 